Sue's Travel Connections

06/13/2026

You can absolutely book your own vacation, and some people may enjoy it.

But if you'd rather skip the hours of

☀️ Comparing prices
☀️ Analyzing everything
☀️ Reading endless reviews

That's where I come in.

I am here to handle the details and remove the stress, making the entire process easier for you. When you're ready, send me a message to start planning.

📷 Photo taken in Milford Sound, New Zealand from our cruise Sydney to New Zealand.

06/13/2026

Good morning to you all! Most of you know I'm all about starting my day with a good cup of coffee. ☕️

As I am wrapping up the summary from our second Zoom meeting for our Alaska Cruise in May 2027, I find myself daydreaming about mornings like these. Imagine waking up surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, crisp Alaska air, and enjoying your coffee while taking in scenery that looks like it belongs on a postcard.

We'll be spending time at both Denali and McKinley Lodge, and if these views are any indication, I have a feeling those quiet morning moments may end up being some of my favorite memories of the trip.

They say the way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. With a view like this, it's hard to imagine the day being anything less than amazing. ❤️

If Alaska has been on your travel wish list, there's still time to join us. I'd love to share this incredible experience with you!

06/12/2026

🇺🇸 America 250 Travel Series 🇺🇸

This week, we're celebrating the small-town Main Streets that capture America's heart ❤️ One of my favorite things!

There's something timeless about strolling down a historic downtown lined with local shops, cozy cafés, beautiful architecture, and friendly faces. It's the kind of travel that encourages you to slow down, look around, and appreciate the little things.

Take a walk through the historic downtown of Galena, Illinois, where beautifully preserved buildings and unique boutiques transport you back in time. Explore the brick streets and Southern charm of Natchitoches, Louisiana, the oldest city in Louisiana and one of the most picturesque Main Streets in the South. Or wander through Woodstock, Vermont, where covered bridges, quaint shops, and classic New England scenery create a postcard-perfect experience.

Sometimes the best travel memories aren't made at famous attractions. They're found while browsing a local bookstore, enjoying homemade ice cream, discovering a hidden shop, or simply sitting on a bench and watching small-town life unfold.

As we celebrate America 250, let's shine a light on the Main Streets that tell the story of our country—one shop, one smile, and one community at a time.

👉 What small-town Main Street would you recommend everyone visit?

🇺🇸

06/11/2026

☀️ Summer Savings on Excursions & Tours! ☀️

Have a trip coming up? Or maybe you're looking for something fun to do close to home this summer? Now is the perfect time to save on unforgettable experiences with Viator!

🎉 Save 10% on your upcoming excursions and tours with promo code SUMMERSAVE10

Whether you're planning a shore excursion for your next cruise, a city tour, a food experience, or a bucket-list adventure, Viator offers thousands of experiences around the world—and right in your own backyard.

One of my favorite perks of booking through Viator is their Reserve Now, Pay Later option, giving you the flexibility to secure your plans without paying upfront. Plus, many experiences offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before your activity, providing extra peace of mind if your plans change.

🏡 Not traveling this summer? This is a great opportunity to be a tourist in your own city! Discover hidden gems, local attractions, food tours, museums, and unique experiences you may have never considered before.

💲 Promo Code: SUMMERSAVE10
💲 Maximum Discount: $25 USD
📅 Offer Valid: June 9 – July 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST

🔗 Link in the comments

Where will your next adventure take you? Share your destination—or your favorite local attraction—in the comments!

06/11/2026

🎒 Be honest... do you pack light, or do you keep adding things "just in case"? 😄

That extra pair of shoes, another outfit, a backup for the backup... we've all been there! What's the one item you always sneak into your suitcase at the last minute?

06/11/2026

🔗 Everything You Need for Your Next Adventure — All in One Place!

Did you know I have a Linktree that makes it easy to access many of the travel resources I recommend and use most often?

You'll find:
🌍 My website
📬 Newsletter subscription sign-up
🛡️ Travel Protection options
🚢 Norwegian Cruise Line booking link
🏖️ Excursion and tour providers, including Viator and Shore Excursions Group
👥 Information on all of my Hosted Group Cruises

Whether you're looking for travel inspiration, planning your next vacation, researching shore excursions, or joining one of my group cruises, these resources are just a click away.

👉 Visit my Linktree here: https://linktr.ee/stc24

For easy access anytime, you can also find this Linktree under the Links section by clicking the ALL tab at the top of my page.

Happy travel planning! ✈️🌴🚢

I specialize in cruises, pre/post stays & transportation—making your trip seamless from start to finish. Let’s plan your next adventure!

06/10/2026

⚽ Traveling in June or July 2026? Plan Ahead!

The FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States, and millions of visitors are expected to travel to host cities throughout June and July 2026. Even if you're not attending a match, your cruise, road trip, conference, business trip, or vacation could be impacted by increased demand, higher prices, and larger crowds.

If your travel plans include Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Francisco, Kansas City, or the New York/New Jersey area, NOW is the time to start planning ahead.

🚢 Cruise Travelers

✅ Consider arriving at least one day earlier than usual.
✅ If you haven't already, book pre-cruise hotels as soon as possible and expect higher rates.
✅ Look at alternate airports when available.
✅ Schedule airport transfers, rideshares, or shuttles in advance and be prepared for increased pricing and longer wait times.

✈️ Independent Travelers

✅ If you haven't already, book your hotels as soon as possible and expect higher rates.
✅ Check local event calendars for conferences, festivals, and other major events that may overlap with World Cup dates.
✅ Reserve rental cars well in advance.
✅ Plan transportation ahead of time, including rideshares and airport transfers.
✅ Expect higher airfare and reduced availability, especially when traveling to:

• Miami
• New York / New Jersey
• Los Angeles
• Dallas
• Houston
• Seattle

A little planning now can help you avoid surprises later and keep your travel experience as smooth as possible.

Are your 2026 travel plans already on the calendar?

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

🔎 Travel Tip Tuesday: Search Smart, Book Smarter!

I often use sites like Expedia, Priceline, Kayak, Hopper (my favorite for flights) and other comparison tools when researching travel options. They're great for comparing schedules, locations, amenities, and pricing all in one place.

But when it's time to actually book? One of my biggest recommendations is to book directly with the airline, hotel, cruise line, or rental car company whenever possible.

Why?

📋 It's important to know the terms and rules of the reservation you're booking. When you book directly, those details are often presented more clearly, making it easier to understand cancellation policies, change fees, baggage rules, resort fees, and other important conditions before you complete your purchase.

✈️ If you book a flight through a third-party company and later need to make changes, cancel, or request assistance, you'll usually have to work through the company you booked with—not the airline itself.

🏨 The same applies to hotels and other travel reservations. If something goes wrong, you're often adding an extra layer between you and the company providing the service.

💰 Many third-party bookings also come with stricter cancellation policies, change fees, or non-refundable rates that can make unexpected situations even more stressful.

Booking directly often gives you:
✔️ Easier access to customer service
✔️ More flexibility if plans change
✔️ Better visibility of the reservation terms and conditions
✔️ Better control over your reservation
✔️ Fewer surprises when it comes to policies and fees

Search smart. Compare options. Then consider booking direct for added peace of mind.

As your travel advisor, I help you understand the details, navigate the options, and make informed decisions so you can focus on the excitement of your trip—not the fine print.

Have you ever had to change or cancel a reservation booked through a third-party website? Share your experience below! 👇